Hackers Use AI to Clone Voices, Scam Crores – Here’s How to Stay Safe

In a chilling new trend, cybercriminals are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to clone people’s voices and commit large-scale fraud. Victims across India have reported receiving phone calls from what sounded like their loved ones, pleading for urgent money transfers. But the reality was far more sinister the voices were fake, created using advanced AI tools that mimic tone, pitch, and speech patterns with near-perfect accuracy.

These AI voice cloning tools are easily accessible online, often requiring just a few minutes of audio to replicate someone’s voice. Scammers gather voice samples from social media, video content, or even voice notes sent on messaging apps. With the cloned voice, they impersonate family members, colleagues, or even officials to manipulate victims into transferring money, often running into crores of rupees.

One such case recently made headlines in Delhi, where a businessman lost ₹1.2 crore after getting a call from what he thought was his son, claiming to be in trouble abroad. The voice begged for an immediate fund transfer. Only later did the father discover that his son was safe—and the call had been faked. Similar scams have been reported in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.

Experts warn that these scams are only getting more sophisticated. Along with voice cloning, hackers are now combining deepfake videos and spoofed caller IDs to make the scam seem even more believable. In some cases, victims have received video calls showing fake visuals of the person talking, powered by AI-generated avatars that mimic facial expressions in real time.

To stay safe, cybersecurity professionals advise adopting a “verify before trust” approach. If someone calls asking for urgent help, even if the voice sounds familiar, pause and verify through a secondary method like texting them directly or calling another known number. Never share sensitive information or make financial decisions based solely on voice calls.

It’s also important to limit the amount of voice data available online. Avoid posting voice messages or videos publicly unless necessary. When using smart devices like Alexa or Google Assistant, review the privacy settings to ensure conversations are not being stored or shared without consent.

Organizations are also urged to train employees about these scams. In the corporate world, AI voice cloning has been used to trick staff into approving fraudulent payments by imitating CEOs or finance heads. Companies must implement strict multi-factor authentication processes, especially for financial approvals.

As AI continues to evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. While technology itself is not evil, its misuse poses a serious threat. By staying alert, double-checking sources, and being cautious with online information sharing, individuals and businesses can protect themselves from falling prey to these terrifyingly real AI voice scams.